The proclamation also states, “general aviation in Minnesota contributes over 5.3 billion dollars” to the state’s economy.

Airport Manager Gerry Serres told those in attendance since he arrived in 2000 a lot of improvements have been made at the facility.

There were 22 private hangars when he came and now there are 80 aircraft based in Faribault.

According to information on the City of Faribault website airport page an average of 51 aircraft a day used the airport from March 31, 2016 to March 31, 2017.

Serres said the movement of a grass runway to a safer location was one of the improvements.

He cited new equipment to clear the runways “much quicker” at the airport.

Serres said, “The airport is really nice and that’s because the City Council, Airport Advisory Board and all the people from the city shop and Public Works Director Travis Bock have been a great team.”

He added, “first and foremost everybody in Faribault can be proud because it’s really nice. When you go around the state and talk to other airport officials and compare notes you realize what a great place it is to be and with that I thank you very much.”

Serres said “we do get compliments all the time so the city council and city employees do a great job and can be very proud.”